Stress, social support and depression in single and married mothers

Abstract

A substantial part of the association between single-parent status and depression can be accounted for by differences in exposure to stress and social support. Our results suggest that it is important to examine multiple sources of stress, as exposure to both distal and proximal stressors were higher among single mothers. Limitations and directions for future research are discussed.

Exploring health-related quality of life determinants of New Zealand sole mothers

“…Despite the comparatively large amount of chronic stress that sole mothers experience (Cairney et al 2003), a number of factors play a protective role. Consistent with another New Zealand study (Tobias et al 2009), the present study found 'number of adult family living in the house' to be positively associated with HRQOL.…”

“…In a large Canadian nationally representative survey (Cairney et al 2003), sole mothers rated their levels of perceived stress significantly higher and social support significantly lower than married mothers. These two variables explained 40% of the variance in the relationship between sole-parent status and depression.…”

Empowering Single Mothers in Iran: Applying a Problem-Solving Model in Learning Groups to Develop Participants' Capacity to Improve Their Lives

“…The number of single-mother households is growing world-wide (Dziak et al, 2010;Wang, 2004;Cairney et al, 2003;Brown and Moran, 1997) and Iran is no exception. According to the 2007 census, households with a female head (single mothers) constituted 9.4% of all households in Iran, up from 8.…”

The mental health and parenting practices of recently separated parents

“…Bruce & Kim, 1992;Cartwright, Kravitz, Eastman, & Wood, 1991;Hill & Hilton, 1999;Simon & Marcussen, 1999). This research has consistently shown that couples going through a separation are at greater risk for mental health issues than those who are partnered, or those who have never been partnered (Bloom, Asher & White, 1978;Cairney, Boyle, Offord, & Racine, 2003;Davies, Avison, & McAlpine, 1997;Crago, 1972;Wade & Pevalin, 2004). Such mental health issues include depression (Bruce & Kim, 1992;Richards, Hardy & Wadsworth, 1997),…”